Hydraulic lifter noise

[David Burggraaf (F...]

I have a '93 1600 which I brought lightly smashed and had been sitting for a
while. On first start up, the noise from 1 lifter was loud as. It didn't go
away after approx 15 mins. On subsequent start ups, (I haven't driven it
yet) the noise was still there. How long should I leave the engine running
in the hope that it will disappear? Maybe a trip to the redline will fix it?
What is the fix for noisy lifters if It won't go away on it's own? I'm
unsure of the oil grade in the engine.
Other MX5's I have now (89 and 2 x 91) have no problems, or tap for a few
seconds only, especially when dead cold or on start up right after a hard
thrash.

Also,
What's the word on GReddy turbocharger kits for MX5's? I saw one at Advanced
Imports the other day. Is there a better kit for the money?, (approx $3000
fitted). Is this good value?
What's a Sebring supercharger worth in NZ, fitted?
Can parts from a 323 B6 turbo be used?

Thanks
Dave

[zorruno]

Hi David & welcome.

the noise was still there. How long should I leave the engine running
in the hope that it will disappear? Maybe a trip to the redline will fix it?
What is the fix for noisy lifters if It won't go away on it's own? I'm
unsure of the oil grade in the engine.
Other MX5's I have now (89 and 2 x 91) have no problems, or tap for a few
seconds only, especially when dead cold or on start up right after a hard
thrash.

I suggest you leave the engine running for the full amount of time you are
driving it
Seriously though - The only suggested fixes that I know (but I'm no
experienced mechanic) are

1. lighter weight oil. Unlikely it will completely remove noise, but will
allow lifters to pump up quicker thereby reducing length of cold startup
noise time. Some people report less noise after an oil change as the oil is
new. Change it and see. I've got some 4500k used Mobil 1 if you want it
2. Replace noisy lifters. Very expensive. Fletcher B priced these I think.
Not sure whether you can service or repair lifters, as I've never seen one
close up. Fletch?
3. Get a louder stereo/exhaust Not sure what amount of damage if any a
sticky lifter will do to the cam. I doubt much at all. I'd just ignore it
for a while and see if it improved as you drive unless it is really
unbearable.

I use 5-50 Mobil 1 at 5000k intervals, and I still almost always get some
lifter noise on cold startup. (94 1.8 - not sure whether it is a different
lifter design, but I doubt it) Mine does go away though after a couple of
seconds at the most. A friends 91 has continual lifter noise that comes and
goes. Different oil didn't seem to make it better.

Also,
What's the word on GReddy turbocharger kits for MX5's? I saw one at Advanced
Imports the other day. Is there a better kit for the money?, (approx $3000
fitted). Is this good value?

Can't answer from experience - you may wish to search the archives at
miatapower.com or join the mailing list there. They seem to be pretty
anti-greddy but for a small amount of boost it seems to have its advantages
(i.e. cost!), there may be some good info to read there.

What's a Sebring supercharger worth in NZ, fitted?

Pass - guessing $5-8000 all up. At least one club member has a sebring. I
can send you his email address off list if you want to ask him - don't think
he's on this list. A saving would be that fitting it yourself would be much
less of a hassle than a turbo.

Can parts from a 323 B6 turbo be used?

I'm guessing some parts - however you'd probably have problems with items
like manifold, coolant lines etc due to the different mounting arrangement.

Lots of guesses here sorry - hope it was a help.
Anyone - feel free to correct any of my guesses!

H & Z